Precast concrete is a type of concrete that is made in a factory or controlled environment before being transported to a construction site. Instead of pouring concrete at the site and waiting for it to dry, precast concrete pieces are made in advance and then assembled.
Key Takeaways
- More sustainable
- Stronger than traditional cast-in-place concrete
- Faster Construction Time
- Lasts longer
- Cheaper for Large-Scale Projects
Is precast concrete stronger
than regular concrete?
Yes, precast concrete is generally stronger than traditional cast-in-place concrete. The controlled production environment ensures better quality control, reducing variations in strength.
- Precast concrete typically has a compressive strength of 40–60 MPa, while standard cast-in-place concrete is usually around 25–40 MPa.
- High-performance precast concrete can reach 80 MPa or more for specialised applications, such as bridge beams and high-rise buildings.
Does precast concrete reduce construction time?
Yes, precast concrete can significantly speed up construction.
- Since precast elements are produced off-site while site preparation happens simultaneously, projects can be completed 20–50% faster than traditional methods.
- In large-scale projects, this efficiency can mean months of saved time, reducing labour costs and site disruptions.
Does precast concrete last longer?
Yes, precast concrete is more durable due to controlled curing and high-quality materials.
- Properly manufactured precast concrete structures can last
75–100 years, while standard cast-in-place concrete may
require major repairs within 50–75 years. - It also has better resistance to freeze-thaw cycles,
reducing maintenance costs in colder climates like Ireland.
Is precast concrete more expensive?
It depends on the project.
- The initial cost of precast concrete can be 5–15% higher than traditional methods due to factory production and transport costs.
- However, the faster installation time and reduced labour costs can lead to overall savings of 10–25% in large-scale projects.
Is precast concrete sustainable?
Yes, precast production is highly efficient, leading to less material waste.
- Precast factories recycle concrete waste and use precise moulds, reducing onsite waste by up to 30%.
- This makes it a more sustainable choice for environmentally friendly projects.
